Ryan Gonzales aka Gonzo was born and raised in South Bay, Los Angeles, California. He first began singing when he was a child and at age fifteen, he started playing the guitar. Listening to motown, classic rock, oldies, salsa, r&b, and soul growing up, Gonzo’s music base was introduced by his father. “My father gave me a good music foundation as well as inspiration to become a music artist,” says Gonzo. As well as his father’s interest in the music scene, watching his friend’s band in high school perform is what inspired his to pursue a music career. The type of music Gonzo creates, he describes as “roots reggae trance.”

In July 1st, 2011, Gonzo released his first album, ‘Irie State of Mind,’ with Fortunate Youth. With Fortunate Youth he is also credited with two national tours, both in 2011, where they supported Tribal Seeds and a tour promoting their single, “One Love.” “Being with Fortunate Youth was such a success and learning experience, I was able to accomplish every goal we made as a band” says Gonzo.

In 2012, Ryan Gonzo began working on his first solo album as an independent artist. The album ‘Rocksteady,’ was released on December 25th, 2012. It showcases his hard work and creativity. ‘Rocksteady’ was described as being a “soulful sensation” and he has been called the “Sade of Reggae” by E.N Young, the producer of the album at Imperial Sound Recording Studio. ‘Rocksteady’ brings everything from island vibes to roots reggae. When asked about the major inspirations on the album, Gonzo replied “really being myself and not having any limitations to my writing inspired me to do an album, as well as all the music I've been listening to." 

 

Gonzo’s sophomore album, ‘Red’, was released by Roots Musician Records on all digital outlets June 3, 2014 and debuted at #1 on the iTunes Reggae Charts. ‘Red’ consists of nine songs written by Gonzo and features guest performances by E.N Young of Tribal Seeds, Pedro of True Press, Koa of Inna Vision and Beyond I Sight. ‘Red’ was produced by Gonzo, E.N Young and Alex Gammill at SoCal studios Imperial Sound Recording Studio and Roots In Peace Studio. Although the foundation of ‘Red’ is reggae, Gonzo effortlessly incorporates elements of old-school hip-hop, R&B, dub and soul to create a style all his own. ‘Red’ is full of rich vocal harmonies, layers of electric guitars, pulsating organs, soothing synths and jazzy horn arrangements. Smooth bass lines and perfectly timed drums will have listeners grooving from beginning to end. Key tracks include “Couldn’t Take My Love”, “Fallin’”, “Roots It Up” and “Good Lovin’”.